Funded through Measure M and the state, OCTA’s program is improving travel times by nearly 30 percent
Oct. 10, 2012
ORANGE – Drivers are seeing a significant increase in travel speeds and green lights following the recent completion of the El Toro Road signal synchronization project.
The project synchronized 39 signalized intersections that stretch over 11 miles of roadway from Lake Forest to Laguna Beach.
The project has increased travel speeds for commuters up to 32 percent, decreased travel times up to 24 percent and reduced the number of stops up to 41 percent. During the next three years, the project is expected to reduce fuel consumption by 1 million gallons and greenhouse gases by more than 17 million pounds.
“Signal synchronization ensures vehicles are moving most efficiently and helps relieve the frustration of continuously getting stuck at red lights,” said OCTA Chairman Paul Glaab, also the mayor of Laguna Niguel. “We are proud that the program has been such a success and we look forward to continuing this cost-effective way to improve the flow of traffic.”
The Orange County Transportation Authority’s Traffic Light Synchronization Program partners with local cities, the county and Caltrans to reduce travel times and stops per mile, increase average driving speeds, and decrease greenhouse gases and vehicle emissions.
The El Toro Road improvement totaled $478,916 and was funded by Measure M and state Proposition 1B.
To date, the program has synchronized more than 750 intersections along 8 major streets:
- Alicia Parkway
- Beach Boulevard
- Brookhurst Street
- Chapman Avenue
- El Toro Road
- Irvine Center Drive/Moulton Parkway/Golden Lantern
- Katella Avenue
- Orangethorpe Avenue
Another two projects, La Palma Avenue and Yorba Linda Boulevard, are currently under way and are projected to be completed by December.
OCTA plans to synchronize 2,000 intersections – every major street in the county – as part of the renewed Measure M.
